Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Government Relations Director Leo Almeida
COLUMBUS, OHIO – “As lawmakers dive into the 2025 legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges legislators to prioritize passing legislation to ease the burden of cancer on Buckeyes.
“ACS CAN calls on Gov. DeWine to work with lawmakers during the budget process to continue his legacy of standing up to Big Tobacco and protecting our youth by increasing the state’s cigarette tax by $1.50 per pack, with a parallel tax on all other tobacco products and allocating $20 million annually to programs that prevent kids from starting to use tobacco and help those already addicted quit.
“Significant tobacco tax increases are one of the most effective ways to prevent kids from starting to use tobacco and help adults quit. Furthermore, with Big Tobacco spending $409.6 million marketing their deadly and addictive products in our state annually, well-funded, fact-based tobacco prevention programs are needed more than ever.
“To improve access to care for those who hear the words “you have cancer,” ACS CAN also calls on the legislature to increase access to biomarker testing, a game changer in the fight against cancer and an essential step in accessing precision medicine treatments by ensuring state-regulated health insurance, including Medicaid, covers appropriate biomarker testing for patients who could benefit. Dubbed ‘the right treatment at the right time,’ precision medicine has played a critical role in improving cancer outcomes. Despite its benefits, health insurance coverage of biomarker testing has not kept pace with innovations in treatment.
“Over 76,000 Ohioans heard the words, “you have cancer” last year. Gov. DeWine and state lawmakers have an opportunity to lessen the burden of a cancer diagnosis for those who will hear those words in the future.”
